National Symphony Orchestra
BLACKSTAR Symphony:
The Music of David Bowie
Concert Hall
A masterpiece, reborn. BLACKSTAR SYMPHONY celebrates David Bowie’s final, critically acclaimed album Blackstar—plus iconic Bowie classics like “Space Oddity,” “Life on Mars” and “Heroes”—reimagined for 65-piece orchestra performed with the band from the album, saxophonist and Artistic Director Donny McCaslin, keyboardist Jason Lindner, and bassist Tim Lefebvre. Conducted by Grammy–winner Jules Buckley, this electrifying theatrical experience also features Bowie’s longtime bandmate Gail Ann Dorsey, drummer Nate Wood, vocalist David Poe, and special guest John Cameron Mitchell.
Jun. 28 - 29, 2024
Fri. Jun. 28, 2024 8p.m.
Sat. Jun. 29, 2024 8p.m.
Genre
Music
Season Sponsor
Donny McCaslin, Artistic Director
Jules Buckley, conductor
John Cameron Mitchell, guest artist
Gail Ann Dorsey & David Poe, vocalists
Jason Lindner, keyboard
Tim Lefebvre, bass
Nate Wood, drums
Witness an extraordinary collaboration between BLACKSTAR Symphony Artistic Director Donny McCaslin and the NSO, led by conductor Jules Buckley. This concert is a unique and singular interpretation of Bowie hits and the music of Blackstar—Bowie’s final album, which Donny McCaslin and his jazz quartet created with him.
Propelled by a 65-piece orchestra and jazz quartet, BLACKSTAR Symphony features musical arrangements by world-renowned orchestrators including Jules Buckley, Tim Davies, Michael R. Dudley Jr., Vince Mendoza, Maria Schneider, Jamshied Sharifi, and Tony Visconti.
Actor, playwright, screenwriter, and director John Cameron Mitchell—best known as the creator and star of the 2001 film Hedwig and the Angry Inch, joins BLACKSTAR Symphony as a guest artist. Singer Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie’s long time bass-guitarist) and singer David Poe join as vocalists.
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Help build a rich legacy on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for the art form of classical music and its audiences.
All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.
All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!
National Symphony Orchestra
Angélique Kidjo
Wed. Jun. 12, 2024
Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo entrances audiences with her striking voice, stage presence, and visionary fusion of West African culture, American R&B, Latin music, funk, dancehall, and jazz. A once-in-a-lifetime performance!
National Symphony Orchestra
A Gospel Symphony Celebration
Jun. 18 - 19, 2024
Enjoy a symphonic fusion of two extraordinary musical worlds in honor of Juneteenth and the 75th birthday of a gospel legend! Conducted by Grammy–winning producer Dr. Henry Panion III, this soulful celebration with special guest Richard Smallwood features performances by Smallwood’s ensemble Vision; gospel stars Dorinda Clark Cole, Maurette Brown Clark, and Marvin Winan; Howard University Gospel Choir; Bowie State University Choir; and more.
National Symphony Orchestra
Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic
Jun. 22 - 23, 2024
Join us for a symphonic celebration of Disney music, animation, and memories—100 years in the making! Your favorite characters and soundtracks come to life in this live-to-film concert like never before as the NSO takes you on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable moments from Peter Pan, Moana, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Frozen, The Lion King, Fantasia, Encanto, and more.
National Symphony Orchestra
DC ORIGINALITY: Showcasing the Cultural Beat of Capital City
Sep. 10 - 11, 2024
From smoky jazz echoing down U Street to the pulsating beats of Go-go born in the heart of D.C., the vibrant sounds of our city come alive at this electrifying concert event! Join the NSO and remarkable local artists as we showcase the music of homegrown heroes such as Marvin Gaye, Chuck Brown, Duke Ellington, John Philip Sousa, and more.
